'It was a surprise for me'

2008-07-14 14:46

Germany - Franz Beckenbauer is sure South Africa will host the 2010 Soccer World Cup and knows nothing about Fifa president Sepp Blatter's contingency plans to move it to another country in case of a natural catastrophe.

Beckenbauer, who is the German representative in Fifa's executive committee, said he had been taken by surprise by Blatter's comments.

"We in the Fifa executive are doing everything to have the World Cup take place in South Africa, even if we have to shut an eye every now and then. But I am sure that the World Cup in South Africa will take place," Beckenbauer was quoted as saying by Die Welt newspaper in an interview published on Monday.

Blatter said last week he had spoken to three countries about hosting the tournament if a natural catastrophe forces it away from South Africa.

"Honestly, it was a surprise for me," Beckenbauer said of Blatter's statement made in an interview with Sky News. Blatter did not name the countries.

"I myself sit in Fifa's executive and even I don't know who are Blatter's candidates," Beckenbauer said.

The German soccer federation, which hosted the World Cup two years ago, has made it clear that it is not one of the three candidates.

Concerns are increasing about South Africa fulfilling its hosting obligations after Tuesday's announcement that the Port Elizabeth stadium is unlikely to be completed in time for next June's Confederations Cup tuneup event.

The World Cup preparations have been plagued by stadium construction delays, security fears, transport problems and the possibility of power outages.

Beckenbauer said the South Africans were lagging behind in some infrastructure projects.

"Not everything is 100%," Beckenbauer said. "But I say let's give them a chance."

- AP